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Conscious Discipline is a comprehensive classroom management program and
social-emotional curriculum developed by Dr. Becky Bailey. It is based on
brain research and child development. More information about this program
may be found at http://www.lovingguidance.com
Parts of this classroom management program are used by many teachers at
Woodruff Primary School. We are continuing our professional study of Dr.
Bailey's work and are becoming more conscious and purposeful in our
interactions with young children.
FOUR BRAIN SMART PRINCIPLES:
1. The best exercise for the brain is exercise.
Application: Young children need to move. They cannot sit for long periods
of time. We try to incorporate lots of music and movement throughout the
day.
2. The brain is pattern-seeking and survival oriented.
Application: Young children feel safe with a dependable schedule. We call
that the daily routine. In preschool and kindergarten, the daily routine is
posted with pictures and words so that our children can know what to expect.
3. Connections on the outside with others build connections on the inside of
the brain.
Application: We build connections through rituals. We perform several
schoolwide rituals, such as the School Family Celebration (once per month),
the Pledge of Allegiance (recited daily), and the School Promise (recited
daily). In addition, classrooms have their own rituals to help children
connect with their classroom families.
4. The brain functions optimally when the child feels safe.
Application: We connect school rules to safety. When children are upset, we
reassure them that they are safe. They understand that the adults' roles are
to keep children safe. The children's roles are to help keep it that way.
SEVEN CLASSROOM STRATEGIES:
1. Composure
2. Encouragement
3. Assertiveness
4. Choices
5. Positive Intent
6. Empathy
7. Consequences
Composure: When a child feels stress, frustration, or anger, help him be a
S.T.A.R.
S - Stop
T - Take a Deep Breath
A - And
R - Relax
(Take a deep breath through your nose like you are trying to smell flowers.
Slowly release the breath through your mouth like you are trying to blow out
birthday candles. Remember to do this very slowly.)
SCHOOL FAMILY CELEBRATIONS: We hold School Family Celebrations once per
month to celebrate being a member of the Woodruff Primary School Family. We
do lots of things at our School Family Celebrations, such as singing songs,
reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, saying our School Promise, laughing
at "Woody Bear", celebrating achievements, and recognizing birthdays. This
time helps us to remember that we are all members of the WPS Family.
WOODRUFF PRIMARY SCHOOL PROMISE:
We come to school to learn.
We will do our best.
We will be safe.
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